PUTNEY — A petition to build a cellphone tower in of Putney has been filed with the state, despite mixed feelings on the project from local officials.

AT&T said the tower would be needed to improve wireless and cell service around Putney and Interstate 91. It has petitioned the Vermont Public Service Board to put the tower on a hillside behind the Putney Food Co-op.

The Brattleboro Reformer reported that the Putney Select Board has chosen to neither support nor reject the proposal.

Members said they could not reach a consensus after hearing from residents, many of whom are against it. The Planning Commission rejected the proposal, saying it was too high to meet zoning regulations.

AT&T initially proposed a 140-foot tower. It has scaled that down to 105 feet.